:ooc: Splitting the threads to keep the story flow from getting confused.
Methilir led the two Dúnedain into his home as Celdrahil spoke. When finished, he answered the king's messenger in kind, "Twice now have I been visited by messengers of the King. I did not think that his majesty held court at this time. My understanding is that the king has gone to his winter home within the land of the Elves." Methilir let his words hang there a moment, but not allow time for a reply from his guests. "Yet, you are here and I am honoured to have you as my guest. Let us leave your tasks and errands until later when we dine, though I must admit, I hope you have carried word to me regarding the circumstances of my brother's murder. I understand that Durgil of Dorthad is being held... I cannot tell you how it saddens his sister to hear of her brother's foul deed." Both Pethron and Celdrahil tried to read the man's face to see regret, pain, or any semblance of loss, but naught was shown. "Take rest now from the road, and warm yourselves by the hearth. We shall dine within the hour and you may tell me your errand. Rooms, too, shall be made ready for you." With that, Methilir strode away, speaking to them over his shoulder, "I shal return shortly... once you have been made comfortable."
The two companions stood there looking at one another within the great room, the only sound being that of the fire quietly crackling.
Celdrahil bowed to the lord as he left them standing in the hall. He looked to his companion and then around at the hall about them. He looked back to Pethron and shrugged his shoulders. " I guess we wait."
Celdrahil looked about him for a place to set aside his armor and began to do so. Once this was accomplished and he felt less encumbered he re-girded his sword and gazed around himself to take in the details of the room. He said little and tried to keep his facial expression neutral. He did not have any doubt that they may still be watched and spied upon and that before long all their belongings would be searched and examined.
With nothing left else to do Celdrahil placed himself by the fire and waited for events to unfold around him.
The hour passed agonizingly slow for the two men, and they filled the time making idle chat. There was naught else to do. The room was all but barren of any adornments that may have created conversations - no heraldry, no heirlooms, no items of state. It was as if Methilir had taken what was once probably a warm, rich Dúnadan gathering hall and stripped it of all value to sell at auction, or worse, to smelt for the ores from which they were made.
Instead, the men shared stories of north and south, amusing one another and also passing news that had not been heard or known about regarding each of the Dúnedain kingdoms. Slowly the hour passed and of a sudden, servants began to enter the hall and setting the table for a meal. They were courteous but their business kept them moving. So Pethron marked the remaing quarter hour by watching the placing of the silver. The scribe took notice of the table cutlery and saw that these too were a hodge podge of different pieces.
"Ah, my guests," hailed Methilir upon his return to the hall. "Forgive me for abandoning you so long, but I hope you had a chance to rest and to warm yourselves." He did not wait for an answer, "Good! The table is almost set."
The master of the house walked to where a place had been made at the head of the table and took up the large goblet that sat there. He also grabbed up an ornate pitcher and proceeded to fill three cups, including the one in his hand. "Come, let us drink a welcoming toast to you, travelers from afar. I look forward to introducing you to the Lady of the house... I wonder where she is." Methilir took on an irritated face, and then burst out, "Gléowyn! Where are you woman?"
Pethron heard the mispronunciation of the beautiful eastern woman's name and cringed. Methilir was proving himself as uncouth a noble if there had ever been. It was then that Fengel's sister appeared. She was elegantly dressed in a dark green dress that made her long, golden hair shine where it fell upon the fabric. It was the first time Celdrahil had seen the Éothraim woman and he was pleased. He knew the Éothraim - they lived in the lands north of Gondor, and though they were a simple folk, they had a pride and dignity about them. In her eyes was recognition when she looked upon Pethron, but smartly she hid it from the master of the house, clearing her throat and then speaking softly, "The lady Ioreth will be down momentarily to meet the guests, m'lord."
Both Celdrahil and Pethron could not help but notice the humor, and even smiled to themselves, at how Gléowyn had mocked Methilir. Her quiet demeanor and polite answer showed the noble to be nothing more than an obnoxious louse - something that Methilir proved oblivious. "Um... very well, then. We will wait for her and then start." With nothing more needed said in that regard, Methilir turned to Celdrahil, "So my friend, tell me... what message does the Steward send now that has not already been sent?"
The conversation again was interrupted as the Lady Ioreth entered the chamber, behind her some five feet stood Gléowyn as lady-in-waiting. To Pethron she seemed more a mother bear guarding her own. The Éothraim woman was slight of build but she hid within a strength that the sharp eye could see - a strength that could be deadly.
To Celdrahil, the entrance of Ioreth gave the Gondorian pause. She was stunningly beautiful and he knew why Dirnhael's ire was raised. Behind Celdrahil, Pethron stood looking at the women and in his mind a vision formed, as sometimes they did. The foresight was strong, but not clear. He only knew that there was a destiny for the woman before him and for her offspring. Her children, he knew, would be influential in great deeds of future days. The feeling was so strong that the scribe knew he would do whatever it took to see that the woman was safely set upon her path... even die for her.
Celdrahil stood as each of the ladies in turn entered the room. He ignored the manners of his host and demonstrated the loftiness of his birth and bearing in his actions in the hall. Celdrahil bowed slightly to the Eothraim woman and more deeply when the lady appeared.
Once seated he smiled to all and took an offered cup from Lord Methilir. "Long has my journey been that has brought me to your door, but not in all the north have I seen such passing fair women. Your house will be much blessed Lord Methilir. I have a soldiers hands and a soldiers outlook so I fear my days will always be spent in the marches of the realm and not in the halls of my own fathers. Pethron, please relate to the Lady I have traveled in the land of her kin and she matches by far the ladies of the Lords of the Mark."
Celdrahil sat at the table and attempted to talk easily and freely with his host. He chatted about any subject that came up and studying the abrupt manner of speech of his host to attempt to approach him as favorably as possible. Celdrahil had two objectives in his discussion with his host and he attempted to use the cover story and truest of them as an opening for the second, the most important of his tasks.
"Long I have toiled in the south upon the marches of Gondor it seems that all the long years of my sires we have stood watch upon the shadow lands to the exclusion of everything else. And alas it seems in my time the watch grows weaker, the plague in the south did much damage to the cause of the Faithful. The capital city straddling the Anduin river is now a pale shadow of what it once was. I have even heard rumor that the King may relocate his seat to Minas Arnor in the west.
The ancient ties of brotherhood between the north and south have become lessened through the passage of time. It was the will of my Lord and King that again the friendliness and unity of the past be restored and the Kingdoms of the north and south are reconciled as brothers. With this in mind I was sent north to my kinsman the Steward as an emissary to survey the marches of the realm of Arnor to assess, advise, and learn what I could about your own struggles against the enemy. With that mission in mind I have come here in your hall to see the manner of defense, lay of the land, resources, and organization. I have seen the city of Fornost in the south, but my true interest is in things military, and hunting of course. Have you any game up here? What pursuits do you dedicate your time to when not managing the defenses of the realm?
I greatly desire to know how you support the northern army and aid in the defense of the realm before I move on to observe the campaign season of the northern army. I noticed on entry that you keep the fields clear of fodder for an invading force, and barren of substance to be used by the enemy, very wise and clear sighted Lord. I have a great interest in such things."
Quote from: Telcontar on Mar 23, 2010, 05:47 AM
"I noticed on entry that you keep the fields clear of fodder for an invading force, and barren of substance to be used by the enemy, very wise and clear sighted Lord."
:ooc: Ha! Awesome.
There was a sudden outburst of laughter from Ioreth when Celdrahil had finished his comments. Methilir's face reddened momentarily before the wiley noble regained his composure and put his best courtier's face forth, leaving Pethron and his friend to wonder if it had been rage or merely embarrassment.
"As you know, here in the North the Shadow also still lingers and the Witch-king of Angmar is no easy foe. My lands have borne the brunt of Angmar's incursions through the lifetimes of many of my forebears. We sit on the frontier of that land and though the King's hosts stand between, still it is my land that has suffered." Methilir set his drink down, "Indeed, the perils that we face make the peasantry flee south or west and thus we have little in the way of revenue. My coffers lie bare but still it takes much to keep a house and a standing guard. So, what you see Celdrahil is the slow depreciation of my families wealth, not some plan to keep the Angmarim from raiding for food."
Methilir shifted his eyes to glare at Ioreth. The two men could feel the resentment that he bore upon the woman. Still, Durgil's sister stood tall and stared back. She was a strong woman. A proud woman. Her lands and her father and mother had borne the same burden as Methilir's family - Gelmir, Ioreth's father, had merely been better at doing his job of landowner and noble guardian of the kingdom. To Pethron and Celdrahil, things were becoming very evident. It was not for love, or desire of Ioreth that Methilir had gone to so much trouble of securing a marriage... it was plain that the man needed her wealth to secure his future, and Dorthad was a strong and viable county.
Taking the hint from his master, Pethron found an opportune moment, while Methilir was engaged in conversation, to discreetly reassure Lady Ioreth that Durgil was as well as could be expected, and to remain steadfast, for plans were in motion to rectify the current situation. This was disguised amidst stories of he and Celdrahil's travels in the northlands.
At the conclusion of the meal, Pethron offered to tell a story for the entertainment of the group. At a nod from their host, he began ...
Two brothers, both warriors and explorers, adventured together for many months before they came upon a hoard of treasure. The hoard was buried in a deep, dark cavern and contained within it a gem of unsurpassed beauty. The rest of the treasure was divided between them, but the brothers could not decide who should have the gem, as they both desired it greatly.
One brother desired it out of greed, for he foresaw saw the prestige and power that wearing such a gem would provide him in the court. The other brother, though he too desired the gem, saw the change it had made in his brother, and knew that to possess the gem would bring doom upon them. He suggested leaving the gem behind, being content with the other treasure they had divided evenly.
The greedy brother, in a rage at the suggestion, drew his sword and slew his brother, but in doing so failed to notice the dragon, who had approached from the depths of the cavern. "Your brother was wise," said the dragon, "for I have listened to your talk, and I would have been content to let you take the other treasure, leaving the gem to me. Together you might have defeated me, but now that you are alone, your treasure shall remain with you to your grave." And the dragon swallowed the man whole, the gem still clutched in his hand.
Pethron watched Methilir closely throughout the telling, to see if there was a reaction to the parts about the brother murdering his own kin, or paying the price for wrongfully possessing that which was not his.
:ooc: The tale above is an abbreviated version of Pethron's full story. Here is the skill test:
Perform (Tell Story) +5, +2 Specialty Roll(2d6)+7: 2,3,+7 Total:12
On second reading I may have misinterpreted Celdrahil's "hint", but I'll leave my post as it is.
Celdrahil looked around the room to determine what the cause of the jest was before realizing it was his own words. "Well then Lord as difficult as it is for you to bear in my experience the hardship you suffer will be twice visited upon any force that attempts to cross your lands."
As Pethron finished his tale Celdrahil was happy that the scribe had come along, it allowed him time to assess his opponent and determine the best course of action.
When the tale was over Celdrahil refilled his wine, "The sons of Ithilien know well what price they pay for others to be fat and secure behind them. I would still desire to see your lands and if you're willing may be able to offer some advice or insight. My lands too border the enemy and there are things that can be done though all other resources are geared towards war and defense. Perhaps also there may be some hunting? We must also discuss your wedding day. Ah.... my apologize Lord and Lady, for that was the other matter in which I find myself as your guest. Though I may have spoke to soon as this may not be the proper forum to discuss such matters."
"As yet, good sires, the duration of your stay is undetermined, so now may be as good a time as any to discuss such matters. What matters, have you come to discuss?" replied Methilir. He was not rude in his tongue, but neither was there warmth to his words.
" Such talk is not fit for the Ladies present but if you insist. I have been asked to be the Guardian of the Lady you are to marry. Now that her brother is imprisoned, she has no other family, and now that she is penniless someone of rank will be required for the ceremony to give her away.
Quite penniless I am afraid, since her brother made several remarks to the steward that threatened the king. As he has traveled in foreign lands these claims are being taken seriously. The steward has gone so far to send Mithrandir to summon the King to return to hear the case. Once guilty of the crime of treason his lands will be confiscated by the crown and he will be put to death. The Steward out of fondness for her father has sent me to you. We can make arrangements for the wedding, as I believe the Steward out of sympathy for the girl has sent me as his spokesman and out of love for her father desires that she be married in a fitting manner consistent with one who holds the high blood of the Dúnedain.
I thought to find her in her home, but the servants have instead directed me here to you. Now I find you both safe and secure, while dark storms swirl all around the marches of the North."
:ooc: Sorry for the delay guys, i have been pretty busy demobiliziing and being back with normal people. Anyway, Tomcat, what I am shooting for is that the crimes are now against the King and if such that all his property would be confiscated by the crown. this is consistent with medieval law and tradition so hopefully it works for you. If we can get Methilir to stew in his own juices and take away the source of his motivation we maybe able to throw his plans off, and or find some way to get the lady folk out of here and back into their own homes.
Quote from: Telcontar on Apr 22, 2010, 10:33 AM
:ooc: Sorry for the delay guys, i have been pretty busy demobiliziing and being back with normal people.
:ooc: Very happy to hear you're safe and sound. No hurry here.
Pethron maintained a serious look on his face, while inwardly he smiled at Celdrahil's devious fabrication. If Methilir could not secure Dorthad, the wedding would be worthless to him. Perhaps he would even change his plans and Ioreth and Gléowyn would be freed.
:ooc: Well isn't that an excellent play on the game! ;)
You have me in a quandary now, Telcontar! That was awesome, but now you need to give me a bit of time to think about what Methilir will do with this bit of information! A new post will be coming tonight or tomorrow...
:ooc: Wow, I didn't know you were in the military. Glad to hear you're back home.
:ooc: Methilir knows that Durgil is in jail for killing his brother. A crime for which he may receive the death penalty and his property would go to his sister as a dowry. Depending on what you have for succession laws in Arthedain, I am assuming that we are dealing with generic feudal practices of law and enfeoffment, etc. If however a higher charge of treason is placed upon him then his lands and property will be confiscated to the crown, in keeping with the bulk of real earth medieval history as the common result. What Methilir doesn't know and can't really confirm is whether Durgil made threatening comments to a Royal Officer, the Steward, about the King or the kingdom in general. What can be proven however is that Mithrandir did speak to the Steward about something and then left in haste. Any contacts he has can confirm that. So I have tried to fabricate a story based upon assumptions of feudal law, and plausible outcomes using elements of the truth. Everything is within the realm of reason and plausible outcomes. My goal is to throw off Methilir's plans, get evidence against him, and remove the ladies from his home. His motivation is money and with that being removed hopefully it will force his hand to do something else or reveal his motives.
Thanks for the well wishes.
Quote from: Telcontar on Apr 22, 2010, 10:33 AM"Such talk is not fit for the Ladies present but if you insist. I have been asked to be the Guardian of the Lady you are to marry. Now that her brother is imprisoned, she has no other family, and now that she is penniless someone of rank will be required for the ceremony to give her away.
Quite penniless I am afraid, since her brother made several remarks to the steward that threatened the king. As he has traveled in foreign lands these claims are being taken seriously. The steward has gone so far to send Mithrandir to summon the King to return to hear the case. Once guilty of the crime of treason his lands will be confiscated by the crown and he will be put to death. The Steward out of fondness for her father has sent me to you. We can make arrangements for the wedding, as I believe the Steward out of sympathy for the girl has sent me as his spokesman and out of love for her father desires that she be married in a fitting manner consistent with one who holds the high blood of the Dúnedain.
I thought to find her in her home, but the servants have instead directed me here to you. Now I find you both safe and secure, while dark storms swirl all around the marches of the North."
To everyone's surprise, it was Ioreth who stood up and loudly spoke, "What do you mean my brother has made threats to the king? Why would he ever do such a thing? Why has he not yet returned from Fornost?"
Both Pethron and Celdrahil realized that Ioreth was still unaware of her brothers predicament. She, as a servant to the throne, had taken her obligation of marriage willingly and thus was held in Methilir's charge. The men now knew that the noble's workings were not revealed to Ioreth, even as lies to deprecate her brother.
Methilir looked around the room, but met no eyes. What was this?! What had Durgul done now to undermine his plans? He would have to find out as soon as possible. He then looked to Celdrahil, "As my guests, I welcome you to stay the evening or however long is necessary for you to keep your charge. Unfortunately at this time, I weary and will take to my room. Ioreth!" he said sharply. "I bid you good night."
The nobleman stood and walked from the dining hall leaving both men and women alone, save for the servants. Ioreth looked to Pethron, "What is going on?" she demanded.
Pethron approached Ioreth so that he could converse with her without being overheard by the servants. He was careful to speak in hushed tones. "M'lady, please forgive our deception, for that is what is at work here. And I thank you for not letting on to our host that you know who I am. Durgil is safe, but he is in the custody of the guard at Fornost."
The scribe quickly described how Ioreth's brother had been framed for murder, and that they believed Methilir to be the culprit. He further explained that the wedding was a means for Methilir to obtain her family's lands. Plans had been set in motion to prove all of this to the King, and to see Ioreth and Gléowyn safely away from this treacherous man, but for now they too needed to play their part in the deception.
Celdrahil stood as others did, as was the custom of the high born. "In such times the blood of the west must be wary of enemies. Your brother has much evidence against him in a murder and his bearing did not improve his postition when questioned by my kinsman the Steward. I am a warrior and prefer an open battle and am not good with words or with court so I apologize for my hasty or ill spoken words."
Celdrahil bowed to all present and when Methilir left the room he followed him into the hall to speak to him briefly alone.
"Lord I am sorry for bringing this trouble to your house, I thought the lady knew of her borther's plight. As recompense I would like, with your leave, to escort her to her home to gather her belongings and those that may hold sentimental value to her in the event that the King's agents seize the estate. I would pay for the required wagons from my own pocket for causing such troubles while under your hospitality. Such a trip now before word is leaked would be insurance against her being destitute if this does come to pass and some things that couled be brought now for her comfort may not be avaialble later."
"
Quote from: Telcontar on May 05, 2010, 03:16 PM
Celdrahil stood as others did, as was the custom of the high born. "In such times the blood of the west must be wary of enemies. Your brother has much evidence against him in a murder and his bearing did not improve his postition when questioned by my kinsman the Steward. I am a warrior and prefer an open battle and am not good with words or with court so I apologize for my hasty or ill spoken words."
Celdrahil bowed to all present and when Methilir left the room he followed him into the hall to speak to him briefly alone.
"Lord I am sorry for bringing this trouble to your house, I thought the lady knew of her borther's plight. As recompense I would like, with your leave, to escort her to her home to gather her belongings and those that may hold sentimental value to her in the event that the King's agents seize the estate. I would pay for the required wagons from my own pocket for causing such troubles while under your hospitality. Such a trip now before word is leaked would be insurance against her being destitute if this does come to pass and some things that couled be brought now for her comfort may not be avaialble later."
"
:ooc: (-D You are a devious one. I'm glad you're on
our side!
Back in Durgil's ancestral home, Dirnhael's patience had given out.
He now trusted Pethron implicitly, and over the days, he had come to regard this Vidugavin as a kindred spirit, but Ioreth's fate lay in the hands of a man he did not know - even if Edrahil's faith in this Celdrahil held great sway over Dirnhael.
His wounds still nagged at him, but the care he received in the great house had done him a world of good compared to sleeping in the field, and he felt more than hale enough to ride out. He felt he could wait no longer.
Knowing Fengel must feel much the same way, he found his friend and spoke of his plan to depart; making haste for Methilir's lands, analyzing their defenses and preparing to take Ioreth and Gleowyn back by force, if need be, and force a confession from the fiend's own lips.
He would not ask Edrahil or Vidugavin to join them; this was their fight - one that they had let others battle in their stead for too long.
Quote from: sdrotar on May 06, 2010, 01:25 PM
Back in Durgil's ancestral home, Dirnhael's patience had given out.
He now trusted Pethron implicitly, and over the days, he had come to regard this Vidugavin as a kindred spirit, but Ioreth's fate lay in the hands of a man he did not know - even if Edrahil's faith in this Celdrahil held great sway over Dirnhael.
His wounds still nagged at him, but the care he received in the great house had done him a world of good compared to sleeping in the field, and he felt more than hale enough to ride out. He felt he could wait no longer.
Knowing Fengel must feel much the same way, he found his friend and spoke of his plan to depart; making haste for Methilir's lands, analyzing their defenses and preparing to take Ioreth and Gleowyn back by force, if need be, and force a confession from the fiend's own lips.
He would not ask Edrahil or Vidugavin to join them; this was their fight - one that they had let others battle in their stead for too long.
"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around. He'd readied them to travel.
Quote from: ZehnWaters on May 06, 2010, 03:09 PM
Quote from: sdrotar on May 06, 2010, 01:25 PM
Back in Durgil's ancestral home, Dirnhael's patience had given out.
He now trusted Pethron implicitly, and over the days, he had come to regard this Vidugavin as a kindred spirit, but Ioreth's fate lay in the hands of a man he did not know - even if Edrahil's faith in this Celdrahil held great sway over Dirnhael.
His wounds still nagged at him, but the care he received in the great house had done him a world of good compared to sleeping in the field, and he felt more than hale enough to ride out. He felt he could wait no longer.
Knowing Fengel must feel much the same way, he found his friend and spoke of his plan to depart; making haste for Methilir's lands, analyzing their defenses and preparing to take Ioreth and Gleowyn back by force, if need be, and force a confession from the fiend's own lips.
He would not ask Edrahil or Vidugavin to join them; this was their fight - one that they had let others battle in their stead for too long.
"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around. He'd readied them to travel.
"'Tis not
my home," Dirnhael said with a smile. "But if it is your will, I would welcome your company. I do not know what we will face, but this man is a villain; treacherous and unafraid of even murder to achieve his purpose, as you saw with your own eyes in the woods. We do not know if Pethron and Celdrahil even live after arriving at his home - or even if they arrived at all."
"We must travel as shadows, and assume that enemies lie in wait for us once more."
Methilir listened to Celdrahil's words and then looked to Ioreth. The Gondorian noble could see that the man regarded her now with disdain, as if she were nothing more than another mouth to feed. He needed time to think and he needed to get to Fornost to determine the validity of Celdrahil's claims. "Do as you will," he said and turned from the Steward's messenger.
It mattered little to him at this time. If the claims were true, then surely the King would grant to Methilir the lands and the resources once held by Durgil. If so, he would still achieve his goals - and Ioreth would still be a pleasant bonus. With the morning, he would arrange for travel to Fornost.
Quote from: sdrotar on May 06, 2010, 08:34 PM
Quote from: ZehnWaters on May 06, 2010, 03:09 PM
"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around. He'd readied them to travel.
"'Tis not my home," Dirnhael said with a smile. "But if it is your will, I would welcome your company. I do not know what we will face, but this man is a villain; treacherous and unafraid of even murder to achieve his purpose, as you saw with your own eyes in the woods. We do not know if Pethron and Celdrahil even live after arriving at his home - or even if they arrived at all."
"We must travel as shadows, and assume that enemies lie in wait for us once more."
Vidugavin returned Dirnhael's smile. "I do hope this won't be how I have to spend all of my time in this country."
Celdrahil bowed to the Lord of the House, "A small recompense for the troubles that I have caused."
Celdrahil again entered the hall where the others were still at the table. His words were stern and hard in case spies still listened to their discussion, but he hoped that the words of Pethron had given hope to the ladies.
"We ride in the morning back to your home, under my care, so that your things may be collected. The safety of the road is not what it once was and disloyalty to the King has not improved it. We will travel light and fast as I have no other escort other than my own arm to provide you. We will make all haste to your home where loved ones and familiar servants await you. Pethron see to the ladies and I will see to the horses."
He walked close to the Lady Ioreth and took her hand to make his parting, with a whisper he said, "All is not as it appears, but you are not safe here. A man of Cardolan awaits you."
He bowed also to the Lady Gleowyn and took his leave of the hall.
Quote from: ZehnWaters on May 10, 2010, 07:53 PM
Quote from: sdrotar on May 06, 2010, 08:34 PM
Quote from: ZehnWaters on May 06, 2010, 03:09 PM
"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around. He'd readied them to travel.
"'Tis not my home," Dirnhael said with a smile. "But if it is your will, I would welcome your company. I do not know what we will face, but this man is a villain; treacherous and unafraid of even murder to achieve his purpose, as you saw with your own eyes in the woods. We do not know if Pethron and Celdrahil even live after arriving at his home - or even if they arrived at all."
"We must travel as shadows, and assume that enemies lie in wait for us once more."
Vidugavin returned Dirnhael's smile. "I do hope this won't be how I have to spend all of my time in this country."
"Then you may not wish to spend much time in my company, I fear," he said with a hearty laugh; his first in weeks.
"It is good to see you in better spirits, my friend," Vidugavin said. "Our journey should be less deadly than our first meeting. I cannot imagine that our friends were that unsuccessful."
And so with the sunrise of a new day, the Company, from two locations, began to ride towards their destinations - neither knowing of the others departure. From Dorthad, Dirnhael led Fengel, Vidugavin and Edrahil on a pursuit to Methilir's home to retrieve the woman that he loved.
Celdrahil and Pethron also led forth their prizes - two women now released from the apparent bonds of duty, and a man's greed. The Ithilien noble could not help himself but to smile for his cleverness. He spurred his horse which caused his comrades mounts to follow suit and they raced west in the cold winter chill.
From the second story of his home, Methilir watched as the steward's messenger left with the woman that was meant to be his bride. He watched them until they had left his gates and disappeared beyond his view. His teeth were clenched. Did Durgil truly offend the king enough to have his land and rights retracted? Was Ioreth now a penniless pauper? How could a woman of court survive such a change in life? He had to get information from his contacts in Fornost.
There was a sound behind him, but he did not turn. "I am sorry my lord, but he requested that he have audience with you." The unknown servant silently excused himself, leaving another within the entrance to Methilir's private study.
A new voice spoke and Methilir recognized it, cold and emotionless, "You are letting them leave?"
"Yes... what of it?" the noble replied.
"I find it strange that you did not seek me out when your guests arrived. I had sent word that I wanted to speak with you."
"Well a Dúnadan noble comes when he wishes, not at the beckoning of his servants. Besides, I thought that you were making your way on... leaving."
"Aye, that is so. I will be leaving soon, but I figured that you would want to know that the scribe that you just entertained was one with the party of men that you sent me to kill."
Methilir turned at that. "What?"
"Yes... the loremaster that ate at your table last night, and who is now accompanying your woman away from here is one of the men that rode with Dirnhael. One of my men that returned after their failed attempt recognized him right away and told me. I sent word to see you, but you were too busy. Now it seems you've lost more than the last of your silver coins that you paid me."
Methilir did not care for the assassin's jest, but still the man was a tool in his bag of tricks... one that he would need to employ again. "Can you follow them... and see that the deed is done correctly this time?"
"You want me to kill the women and the steward's messenger?" asked the man that went by the name of Arandil.
"First of all, I do not know now if he was truly any messenger from Fornost. And if he were to die on the wild roads of north Arthedain... well, things like this are known to happen. Yes? But as for the women... no. I do not want them harmed. Ioreth will still be mine. If she be penniless, then certainly the king will look favour upon me for bringing in the women-folk of Dorthad and certainly he will reward me with Durgil's lands."
"Forgive me Methilir, but I do not think you have the resources left to employ me, or any of the men I will need to recruit."
Methilir looked incredulously at the middle-man - he was no Dúnadan, no man of high blood, "I paid you to have a job done, which thus far you have failed. Forget not who may soon be the noble controlling the predominant northern counties of Arthedain. Look more to your purse in the future then at the trifles that we negotiate now."
Arandil stood for a moment, looking at his benefactor and wondering if he tossed his lot in with a losing team. He gave a curt nod and left the chamber. Methilir turned back to the window and wondered how far the riders had gone thus. He mentally reviewed all the trails of his plot to see if any could be discovered leading back to him. Only Arandil flashed in his mind as a potential hazard. Perhaps when all was done, the assassin may need to disappear, too.
But now to Fornost. The noble called for his aid to prepare his mount, along with an accompanying guard. He would be at the capital in two days and there he would see if any words he had heard were true.
:ooc: New thread shall be posted tomorrow.
:ooc: Okay, here is the deal...
I apologize for the pace of this game. There are two reasons for this:
- I currently have my head so far away from swords and sorcery, and all that is coming to me is stuff for Star Wars and Trek. Sorry, my brain works in genres! (-D I wish I had more flexible grey matter, but it definitely goes in phases.
- Second is that I have no idea where to take this plot line now. In truth, Tom did an incredible job at spoiling Methilir's intent, which was to use the time while the king was away, to rob Durgil's family of his land. Well, 'rob' is not so much the act, as aggressive takeover. Anyway, although Methilir was willing to use his simple-minded brother in his plot, setting the stage, and then having him killed, he is not willing to take his county to war against a neighbor. Part of him is sure that he would lose due to lack of resources. The other part of him is still a Dunadan noble, who is loyal to the king and knows the threats that lay outside the kingdom.
All this said, I am kind of just ready to award BIG experience and move the story onto a new plotline. BIG experience because in one post, BOOM! my antagonist was leveled! (-D
What's more is, with the awards, I want to put this game on hiatus while I draw some new story ideas out of the cranial juices that percolate in my skull. If that is cool with everyone, will go with it. If everyone wants to take this to the final end, where Methilir or Dirnhael stand dying on the tip of the others blade, we can do that, too.
Just let me know.
I would REALLY be interested to know if anyone would like to take up the mantle of Narrator for a while with either this chronicle, or a new one. I would love to just play for a while in the realm of Tolkein...
Anyway, just my rambles. Post me your thoughts please.
T
:ooc: To all my newer players, understand that my games on hiatus will pick up with all characters that were in the story. I usually have a prologue of what happened while we were away, and that leads into our new story arc. So, your PC's, and all the thought that you put into their creation, will still be there, unless of course, you personally have bowed out of gaming on this website.
The cool thing is most of you are part of my other games, so I know you will be around.
:ooc: And just so you all know, if we do stop here and take a short hiatus (which we actually have kind of been on) - the new story line that is drumming softly in my head will probably hinge on Celdrahl and Pethron and a journey to Gondor.
If I go that route, Dirnhael will have to decide if he wants to go and leave his woman behind again - or maybe bring her with him? And what of Fengel and his sister?
Man... I can't stop typing... so many things...
:ooc: A hiatus is fine with me. Sometimes it's good to recharge the batteries.
We've kind of reached a good stopping point if Methilir's been outmanuevered; Durgil's name may be cleared, Ioreth and Gleowyn are safe again, and the Company has gained two formidable new members. Plus, Dirnhael, Pethron and Fengel's standing in their new hometown may have been raised a bit as well. It sounds like a very reasonable jumping-off point for the next adventure, whenever that may be.
I'd sure hate to retire Dirnhael - I've been playing him for so many years, he's like putting on a comfortable suit - even if it might make sense, story-wise, to do so. Who knows? There are always possibilities...
:ooc: Hiatus is fine. I know what you mean when you say your brain works in Genre's. Mine does too. I'll be eager to get back to Vidugavin, however.
Tomcat,
You're turning me into the game killer! Though I am glad to see that the timely arrival of a scion of the kinstrife could lay to rest the possible Civil War of Arthedain. I was looking forward to ridding up to the others with my Dunedain pride pegged out on the look how awesome I am meter. But as for the game you know me I can wait around. I was interested to see where the flexible interpretation and authority of the Stewards mission was going to take me.
I have been toying around with some thoughts for a game so maybe I can get one started in the interim.
:ooc: Hey Tom, NO!! I am not pegging you as the game killer, at all. It was just a perfect play, and to make Methilir become more sinister than what I have already portrayed the greedy bastard as, seems to go against the idea of the Dunedain. Not to say they didn't devolve into a cruel people, and even the sons of the line of Isildur warred against one another - hence the splitting of Arnor - but still. To take Methilir to the point where he is willing to take up arms against the kingdom with his plan at a land grab through nuptuals, seems over the top to me.
Does that make sense?
So with Celdrahil's simple claim that Durgil has overstepped his position with the king, and thus forfeited his rights to his lands, he has undermined Methilir's plan. Unless, of course, the noble would really want to go beyond what he has already done in an even more aggressive move (as stated above). To push the assassination attempts even further would certainly turn eyes on him, and Methilir just wants more wealth. He doesn't want to lose what he already has.
I hope this is all making sense... but by no means am I pegging you, and your chatacters ingenuous play, as the game kill. Moreso, it was a very effective victory worthy of experience rewards, and now we move on to a new story line. We certainly will RP out the character relations as we move into a new plot - because I have neat back-story details to work with Pethron and your PC. No matter what, I am glad you will stick around until the game resumes in full capacity - I like what everyone brings to the games! ;)
Lastly, I am very interested in hearing about a game that you might run and bringing a character into it, but that is a conversation for the future as things progress.
Tomcat,
No offense at all I was just poking fun at that the fact that whatever game i am in ends up in the archive bin ;D
I agree with everything you have said about the game. I thought for awhile on what motivated Methilir and how to cut him where it hurt. Being a noble is all about a game of Houses anyway. Wheels within wheels avoiding direct confrontation.
I am ready when you are to pick the game up or move it along.
Quote from: TelcontarI was just poking fun at that the fact that whatever game i am in ends up in the archive bin ;D
:ooc: (-D LOL!
Well... yea... it does seem that way, doesn't it.
You have my promise, though, that the time and creative effort that you put into your PC's will not be for nothing. As you know, I have been running Chronicles of the North since 2003, and that story is far from being over... in fact, with the new character additions, it grows. The Moria campaign is something I started because I wanted to run one of the mini-adventures I created for HOF, plus I really wanted to do a dungeon-crawl. Well, at the same time I had picked the Star Wars Saga edition and the rest is history. I moved my brain into outer space and have been coming up with ideas for that.
I really enjoy my LOTR games, and the PC's that are in them, and so I do not want to have lame story lines going. Thus the need to break away from the games. But we will get it/them going again soon. I will run out of ideas (or get bored) for Star Wars and Star Trek real soon. ;)
Still, I don't want to lose you as a player, so I am glad you'll be around.
I have been tossing the idea around of letting another GM pick up on our chronicle, and letting them have some fun with these PC's. I am not sure if that would be a success, or cause a serious rift in story ideas, but we'll see. Right now, there is no one leaping at the chance to take over the CotN campaign and run it a while.
Anyway, we shall have a few more scenes to end the current game and then I will award XP. From there it will go into hiatus for a while, until I think of what my story hook is for Gondor and Ithilien... might be something to do with Minas Ithil, or Osgiliath. Ithil is not captured by the Nazqul for another 634 years, and Osgiliath has another 200+ years before it starts its slow decay... so we shall see.
:ooc:
Hi,
I'm ok with a hiatus, but definitely want to continue on with this story at some point. I'm really happy with the way Pethron has turned out.
To be honest, since joining the Star Trek game I've been a bit stretched with keeping up with the three separate storylines. Cutting back to only two for a bit will help me stay on top of things.
I've thought quite a bit about running something here, but it's tough to commit the time right now. I wouldn't want to take over an established story, though, but rather start something new that I'm more familiar with (like HârnWorld or perhaps Serenity).
Cheers,
Brian